With its glorious palaces, spectacular forts, and dramatic deserts, Rajasthan never cease to amaze me. I decided to head south to enjoy the fabled romance of Udaipur. Shining with whitewashed havelis and domed palaces, the city fringes the shimmering waters of lake Pichola. And like the rest of Rajasthan, it offers exquisite varieties of handicrafts that one cannot help but fall in love with. So, I couldn't wait to visit the local markets of the city. There's a flamboyant display of products, ranging from traditional skirts, blouses, dupattas, shoes and bags, with ethnic charm acting as icing on the cake. After spending the entire day out there, here's a list of must haves from the place.
1. Bandhani/ Bandhej
Bandhani is a tie and dye technique popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Even today, men and women use a chickpea or button to tie the fabric into small knots and dye it with natural colours. Bandhani suits, sarees, dupattas are available almost everywhere in the city.
Where to shop- Palace road market, Hathi pol bazaar, Bada bazaar
2. Leather
Camel and goat leather products flood the markets of Udaipur. Shoes, wallets, bags, journals are the deals to steal for both men and women. Processing of raw skins to the finishing of products, is done manually. Bada bazaar offers a plethora of small and big showrooms displaying handmade juttis
with beautiful patterns.
Where to shop- Bada bazaar, Palace road
3.Mirror mosaic work
Popularly known as Inlay, the complex mirror work of the finest quality can be seen on wall paintings and interiors of the palaces. The paintings come in different sizes and shapes. Each painting is an intricate piece of art, and so is expensive.
4. Sadhna emporium
It is a crafts outlet of Seva Mandir, an NGO working for the tribal and rural people of Rajasthan. It helps provide alternate income to women. Colourful, bright textiles are sold here at nominal prices. The place is famous for its embroidered work including bedsheets, pillow covers, sarees, bags, kurtas and what not!
5. Jewellery
The tusks of dead elephants are used to make jewellery pieces that are both antique and beautiful. Ivory bangles holds a very important place in Rajasthani culture. Apart from that, lac, kundan and meenakari bangles, earrings along with silver jewellery are available at negotiable prices.
6. Mirror mosaic work
Popularly known as Inlay, the complex mirror work of the finest quality can be seen on the walls and interiors of the palaces.They come in different shapes and sizes. Each painting is an intricate piece of art, and is therefore, expensive.
7. Wooden toys and puppets
Toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, wooden cases, jewellery boxes are available in the markets. The art of puppetry is a very old tradition, and puppet shows are held in Bagore ki haveli and Bhartiya lok Mandal everyday.
So put on some sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and have fun exploring! :)
1. Bandhani/ Bandhej
Bandhani is a tie and dye technique popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Even today, men and women use a chickpea or button to tie the fabric into small knots and dye it with natural colours. Bandhani suits, sarees, dupattas are available almost everywhere in the city.
Where to shop- Palace road market, Hathi pol bazaar, Bada bazaar
2. Leather
Camel and goat leather products flood the markets of Udaipur. Shoes, wallets, bags, journals are the deals to steal for both men and women. Processing of raw skins to the finishing of products, is done manually. Bada bazaar offers a plethora of small and big showrooms displaying handmade juttis
with beautiful patterns.
Where to shop- Bada bazaar, Palace road
3.Mirror mosaic work
Popularly known as Inlay, the complex mirror work of the finest quality can be seen on wall paintings and interiors of the palaces. The paintings come in different sizes and shapes. Each painting is an intricate piece of art, and so is expensive.
4. Sadhna emporium
It is a crafts outlet of Seva Mandir, an NGO working for the tribal and rural people of Rajasthan. It helps provide alternate income to women. Colourful, bright textiles are sold here at nominal prices. The place is famous for its embroidered work including bedsheets, pillow covers, sarees, bags, kurtas and what not!
5. Jewellery
The tusks of dead elephants are used to make jewellery pieces that are both antique and beautiful. Ivory bangles holds a very important place in Rajasthani culture. Apart from that, lac, kundan and meenakari bangles, earrings along with silver jewellery are available at negotiable prices.
6. Mirror mosaic work
Popularly known as Inlay, the complex mirror work of the finest quality can be seen on the walls and interiors of the palaces.They come in different shapes and sizes. Each painting is an intricate piece of art, and is therefore, expensive.
7. Wooden toys and puppets
Toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, wooden cases, jewellery boxes are available in the markets. The art of puppetry is a very old tradition, and puppet shows are held in Bagore ki haveli and Bhartiya lok Mandal everyday.
So put on some sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and have fun exploring! :)
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